Bolivia is large, landlocked, sparsely populated and absolutely packed with extraordinary scenery. These extreme geographical variations can all be appreciated as part of a tailormade luxury travel Bolivia journey.

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The last month has been a turbulent time for many around the globe, not least the travel industry. Under lockdown, we at Aracari have evolved how we connect you (our friends and followers) to Peru and its rich culture. One initiative we started was our 'Conversations' series, which streams video discussions with individuals from different walks of life, who each have inspiring personal stories to share. Looking back on the conversations in May, we can draw upon many lessons that are pertinent to the world today. So, it is with great pleasure that we highlight some of this inspiration for you ... "What role are you going to play?" - Jonathan Stack, Documentary & Filmmaker. American Filmmaker Jonathan Stack had the option to leave Peru just 48 hours before the country's lockdown restrictions were imposed. Jonathan decided to stay and in his conversation tells us how he has been spending his time. From helping to stop the construction of a new international airport in Peru, that may create negative environmental and social impacts, to using his filmmaking skills to reimagine how Peruvian society under COVID19 can be reimagined. One of the most inspiring moments of our conversation with Jonathan is when he explains that "the Chinese symbol for 'chaos', is also the same for 'opportunity'". The filmmaker elaborates on how cultural preservation in a COVID world requires innovators with strong ties to their communities. Indeed he says we should all be asking ourselves, "What role are you going to play?" Watch Jonathan's conversation here. "Stay true to your DNA" - Micha Tsumura, The best chef in Latin America. Alongside international travel, hospitality has been one of the sectors hardest hit by the COVID lockdown. In conversation with the best chef in Latin America, Micha Tsumura, we discover what he believes

The last month has been a turbulent time for many around the globe, not least the travel industry. Under lockdown, we at Aracari have evolved how we connect you (our friends and followers) to Peru and its rich culture. One initiative we started was our ‘Conversations‘ series, which streams video…

Beach houses have always been a popular accommodation choice for those enjoying long vacations or traveling in groups. As lockdown restrictions around the world are gradually lifted, Aracari expects to see an increase in the number of travellers seeking privacy and looking to rent a beach house in Peru. The best beach houses offer travelers greater space, guaranteed privacy the same luxuries enjoyed in hotel stays. Renting a beach house in a post-covid world will make a lot of sense, but where is the best place to rent a beach house in Peru … Peru’s 1300-mile coastline features an array of magnificent sandy beaches, but nowhere will you find them more idyllic than in the country’s tropical northwest. Year-round sunshine, sapphire-colored water, and a luxurious selection of accommodation away from the crowds remain one of the country’s hidden gems. In the 50s, Ernest Hemmingway and his friends flocked to the coast of Northern Peru to experience its world famous deep sea fishing. Marlin fishing is still possible in and around Mancora but it is mainly its world class surfing that attracts visitors from far and wide. It is easy to spot dolphins from the comfort of your verandah, and if spotting marine wildlife is your preference, an excursion by yacht to take you up close to migrating humpback whales is a must. And all this is possible on a scheduled or private 1 hour flight from Lima. Aracari has a range of beach houses near Mancora (casas en Máncora) to suit every traveler’s budget and preferences. So, without further ado here is our roundup of the best beach houses in Peru. Casa Adobe: Best for seclusion No. of Bedrooms: 4 Sleeps: 8 + 2 The rustic-chic Casa Adobe Beach House is the perfect accommodation for travelers’ seeking a secluded spot

Beach houses have always been a popular accommodation choice for those enjoying long vacations or traveling in groups. As lockdown restrictions around the world are gradually lifted, Aracari expects to see an increase in the number of travellers seeking privacy and looking to rent a beach house in Peru. The…

Let your wanderlust take you on a journey in time to the conquest of the Incas, discover the connection between a well-known Verdi opera and the city of Lima, or perhaps re-create the exotic flavors of Peru at home thanks to the recipes of a world-renowned Peruvian Chef. At this pertinent time, remember the words of Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges “I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library”. Those who yearn to travel to Peru or feel nostalgia for a journey already taken, may find some solace in undertaking an armchair tour by means of written works evoking that mythical land. Works that might satisfy their craving include the following: BIRDWATCHING Princeton Field Guides: Birds of Peru. Birds of Peru is the most complete and authoritative field guide to this diverse, neotropical landscape. It features every one of Peru’s 1,817 bird species and shows the distinct plumages of each in 307 superb, high-quality color plates. Concise descriptions and color distribution maps are located opposite the plates, making this book much easier to use in the field than standard neotropical field guides. GASTRONOMY Virgilio MARTÍNEZ: Lima cookbook. Peruvian Home Cooking. The growing popularity of Peruvian cuisine throughout the world has made Lima, the capital of Peru, a destination city for food lovers. Virgilio Martinez is the most famous young chef in Peru. His restaurant Central, in Lima, is among the best in the world and he has opened two LIMA restaurants in the heart of London. This book is a collection of more than 100 of Virgilio’s fuss-free, contemporary recipes you can cook mentioning also the superfoods for which Peruvian food is renowned. Manuel VILLACORTA: Peruvian Power Foods: 18 Superfoods, 101 Recipes, and Anti-aging Secrets from the Amazon to the Andes. While superfoods have entered the

Let your wanderlust take you on a journey in time to the conquest of the Incas, discover the connection between a well-known Verdi opera and the city of Lima, or perhaps re-create the exotic flavors of Peru at home thanks to the recipes of a world-renowned Peruvian Chef. At this…

There is nowhere on earth quite like the Galapagos. The sheer diversity of wildlife draws travelers from all over the globe to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip. With a natural spectacle occurring every month of the year, there’s no wrong time to visit the Galapagos. However, if you want to see something specific – like the hatching of giant Galapagos tortoises – you should plan your trip accordingly. Aracari can create custom itineraries that take in the wildlife events you want to experience, and offer advice on the best time to visit. Here is a month-by-month breakdown of nature’s highlights on the Galapagos Islands: Galapagos Wildlife in January There are six subspecies of marine iguana spread about the Galapagos. On Española, you’ll find the most colourful; the Christmas Iguana. January is breeding season for marine iguanas and this is when the Christmas Iguana turns bright red and green in order to attract a mate. Galapagos Wildlife in February February marks the beginning of flamingo nesting season on Floreana Island. Flamingos gather in groups to perform an elaborate dance and show off their bright pink primary feathers as part of their mating ritual. Witnessing this ritual is a truly unforgettable experience. Galapagos Wildlife in March In March, the Galapagos albatross starts to arrive back on Española after several months away. With a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) it is the largest bird in the Galapagos. This bird can only be found on Española and one small island off the central coast of Ecuador. Galapagos Wildlife in April The first green sea turtle hatchlings begin to emerge in April. At night, one can see hundreds of tiny turtles cross the beach. Pacific green sea turtles can be found on Isabela and Fernandina islands. Galapagos Wildlife in May

There is nowhere on earth quite like the Galapagos. The sheer diversity of wildlife draws travelers from all over the globe to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip. With a natural spectacle occurring every month of the year, there’s no wrong time to visit the Galapagos. However, if you want to see…

In Conversation with Aracari Founder, Marisol Mosquera. (April 2020) In light of current global events, Aracari’s Founder, Marisol Mosquera speaks openly to our blog editors about the values Aracari was founded upon and why the business is well positioned to restart travel and tourism to Peru, Bolivia and The Galapagos – once travel restrictions around the world are lifted. AT: Marisol, What’s your view on the current pandemic? How is it affecting tourism in Peru, Bolivia and the Galapagos? MM: In Peru at the moment we are on full lockdown. Subsequently, travel and tourism to the country has ground to a halt. It is the same for Bolivia and the Galapagos. Naturally, I am concerned. Though, it isn’t the first time we [Aracari] have confronted shocks to the economy. In the past, 9/11, the 2008 recession and the SARS virus all detrimentally affected visitor numbers to the region. For a shorter duration than today, flights from our key markets - The US, Europe and Asia all fell in these times of crisis. We [Aracari] survived them all and once this crisis passes too, it’s sensible to expect there will be others to face in future. AT: What has been Aracari’s secret, when navigating through these previous crises? MM: Coming from a background in finance, I have always understood the importance of creating a business with a firm financial foundation and strict control of costs. In economic crises, companies that have debts or need to fund their way out of a situation often struggle to survive. Since I started Aracari twenty-three years ago, I’m proud to say, we’ve never taken on a bank loan or any form of outside debt to fund the business’ expansion. If I were to hypothesize why over the last twenty years Aracari is still

In Conversation with Aracari Founder, Marisol Mosquera. (April 2020) In light of current global events, Aracari’s Founder, Marisol Mosquera speaks openly to our blog editors about the values Aracari was founded upon and why the business is well positioned to restart travel and tourism to Peru, Bolivia and The Galapagos…

Peruvian Mountain Climber, Thomas Schilter, Talks To Aracari In the last few years Cusco resident and friend of Aracari, Thomas Schilter has summited over thirty of the world’s highest and most technically challenging mountains. This includes eight peaks with altitudes beyond 6,000m (20,000ft), where debilitation or death from acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a real possibility. Metaphorically speaking, we all have ‘mountains’ to climb in our lives, so who better to ask than Thomas about what it takes to overcome adversity. Earlier this month, Aracari caught up with Thomas shortly before he needed to leave for school. Yes, that’s right … one of South America’s most proficient and well-regarded mountain climbers is just 17-years of age. His parents have been good friends of Aracari’s for many years, as Thomas’ French mother (Petit) and Swiss father (Franz) run the Sol Y Luna Hotel and association in the Sacred Valley. The seven lessons (below) are drawn from our conversation with the acclaimed mountaineer. Forge Your Own Path The most significant moment in Thomas’ career to date has been summiting Peru’s Siula Grande (20,814 ft) via the south east face – a route that no one had previously accomplished. Siula Grande’s infamous reputation across the world is in part due to the film ‘Touching the void’. A documentary that recounts two British climbers’ disastrous 1985 expedition to Siula Grande - one of the highest peaks in the Andes. On his successful expedition last June, Thomas recounts “Several séracs [glacial columns] blocked our original route to the summit. It was getting dark, but the top was so close. The consensus was we could still make it, but only if we adapted our plans. That’s when we decided to summit from the South East face. The decision resulted in a lot of extra hardship and

Peruvian Mountain Climber, Thomas Schilter, Talks To Aracari In the last few years Cusco resident and friend of Aracari, Thomas Schilter has summited over thirty of the world’s highest and most technically challenging mountains. This includes eight peaks with altitudes beyond 6,000m (20,000ft), where debilitation or death from acute mountain…